Antebellum Green Oaks, which survived storms for parts of three centuries, was lost to Hurricane Katrina.
"There are no current plans to rebuild Green Oaks. It's irreplaceable," said owner Joe Malugen of Rosemary Beach, Fla., founder and CEO of Movie Gallery Inc.
It was a summer home for plantation owners dating back to the 1840s, according to local historians.
It was named Green Oaks Bed and Breakfast and operated by Jennifer Diaz, who sold it to Malugen three years ago.
"The loss is tragic since it was reportedly the oldest home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast," said Malugen. "It was one of the few homes not damaged by Hurricane Camille in 1969."
The home was on the National Register of Historic Sites. "I purchased the place due to its beauty and history," said Malugen. "I am very sad about the loss. It could not be replaced."
It was a popular spot for special events and weddings.
Green Oaks had 12,000 square feet in three buildings. It included eight rooms with wedding and banquet facilities.
Malugen said the replacement value is about $5 million.
"Currently I am reviewing all options for the property," he said.
Edmond Boudreaux, vice chairman of the Mississippi Coast Historical and Genealogical Society, said there was a Green Hotel on the beach back in the 1820s, and that the house was probably built in the 1840-50 antebellum period.
Boudreaux said the property was owned by a Green family who sold it to Diaz, who gave it the Green Oaks name.
- GARY HOLLAND